Brighten Your Day: Stories from the Island Lake Camp Community Pt. 1

Late this Spring we made the tough decision to cancel summer 2020. While we know for us this was the right call to make to protect our campers, staff, and families we were still heartbroken. But then came the messages! We received dozens of emails, phone calls, comments, and more from our camp community that just warmed our hearts. 

These are the stories that put a smile on our faces and remind us every day just how impactful summers at ILC can be.

“Oh, gosh… ILC is absolutely where I felt I fit in, where I felt most connected to my friends. It’s where I learned not to be afraid to be silly on a stage, to allow myself to feel really, really excited, and where I felt the safest. I still wear my ILC t-shirts, and can still sing the Color War songs. Most importantly, I’m still in touch with so many of my bunkmates and friends. Even though we’re grown up now and far apart, and even though we may not talk every day, I know that if I ever needed something, my camp friends would be there, and I’m sure they know that if they ever needed anything, I would be right there, too.” – Sarah M., alumni (attended 7 years)

“As a former camper and staff member, I feel like I’ve experienced the best of both worlds. It’s been 18 years since I’ve been back but the memories are still as vivid as ever. ILC truly broadens the vision for young minds and exposes you to things that will remain with you for life. I’m excited for our son to share in the experiences I experienced as a child and then a young adult during his first summer at camp. Here’s to 2021!” – Michael S., alumni (attended 2 years as camper, 2 years as staff)/camp parent

“I have done activities like wakeboarding that I don’t have the opportunity to do outside of camp and have met friends that I will keep in touch with for the rest of my life. When you have to live with all of these people your age, it is the perfect environment to form strong relationships.– Alex J, alumni (attended 8 years)

 

 

 

“Island Lake has changed my life drastically. The first year I got off the bus I already saw that it would be my home away from home. I have met friends that have turned into family. Camp has so many fun activities that no other place has. I have met my 12 best friends here and Island Lake will always be very important to me. – Sami K., current camper (2 years)

“Where do I begin…I made friends for life and on returning for the second summer I realized it was my family. Camp is such a brilliant experience. Life has its ups and downs but honestly, it was such a beautiful time with both my fellow staff and my campers. My only regret – I didn’t find it sooner. My home away from home will always be 18462.– Joseph R., staff (2 years)

“I looked forward to those summers! It was the place where I learned to explore my passions. At ILC, I developed a sense of freedom and independence and the meaningful memories carry me into adulthood. 20 years later, I still remember camp in the most vivid way!” – Abby, alumni (attended 4 years)

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